This can be achieved by maintaining a high level of autonomy in local administration and allocating a certain quota of seats in the Malaysian parliament by taking into account the population and sizes of the Borneo states.

[5] Lord Cobbold summarised the Commission's findings as follows: About one-third of the population of each territory strongly favours early realisation of Malaysia without too much concern about terms and conditions.

The remaining third is divided between those who insist on independence before Malaysia is considered and those who would strongly prefer to see British rule continue for some years to come.

There will remain a hard core, vocal and politically active, which will oppose Malaysia on any terms unless it is preceded by independence and self-government: this hard core might amount to near 20 per cent of the population of Sarawak and somewhat less in North Borneo.Other recommendations of the Cobbold Commission Report include: Cobbold Commission did not recommend whether the heads of state of Sabah and Sarawak are eligible to be elected as the heads of the Federation.

[7] Cobbold Commission agreed on the unrestricted use of Malay, English and other indigenous languages in the respective Borneo state assemblies for 10 years after the formation of Malaysia, until the federal government, with the consultation of the respective Borneo state governments, that only the national language (Malay) can be used.